Starting in June, families can meet Sue, the most complete, best-preserved Tyrannosaurus rex ever found, in the Lou! The Saint Louis Science Center will welcome SUE: The T. rex Experience beginning June 8. The special exhibition features the latest scientific discoveries about the species as a whole along as well immersive, sensory exploration of life in the Cretaceous period.
“Because SUE was discovered in such great condition and as a nearly complete specimen, scientists have been able to learn so much about dinosaurs and the lives they lived from this fossil,” Kaylia Eskew said. “SUE: The T. rex Experience displays the latest discoveries of what’s known about Tyrannosaurus rex — the composition of their bodies, the foods they ate, the way they moved, the sounds they made, how they aged, and more. The Science Center is honored to host this special exhibition so that our guests can immerse themselves in the wonder of SUE’s life.”
Through this traveling exhibition that is presented in English and Spanish, guests can explore the sights, sounds and smells from SUE’s world and get up close with an exact replica of the original SUE skeleton, which measures 40 feet from snout to tail and 13 feet tall at the hip, permanently on display at the Field Museum in Chicago.
Observers will note that this updated cast includes repositioned shoulder blades and arms and added gastralia (belly ribs). Scientists weren’t sure of the true positioning for these items when SUE was first revealed in the 1990s but have been able to more accurately place them through extensive examination of the fossil and additional research. Other full-scale displays present a T. rex battling one of its favorite prey, the duck-billed herbivore Edmontonosaurus, and a skeleton of T. rex’s biggest enemy, the Triceratops.
“Guests will use all of their senses to bring dinosaurs to life during SUE: The T. rex Experience,” Eskew notes. “In addition to viewing life-sized specimens, interactive stations will give guests a chance to smell prehistoric plants and the T. rex’s rancid breath, hear the rumblings of the T. rex’s mighty roar and feel the texture of SUE’s bones and dinosaur skin.”
To present a deeper look into prehistoric life among the landscape where SUE was discovered, the exhibition features:
Beyond the special exhibition, guests can visit the Science Center’s Earth Sciences gallery to:
While admission to the Science Center is free, tickets are required for SUE: The T. rexExperience. Tickets for this special exhibition will go on sale May 8, 2024, at slsc.org/SUE or through the Science Center box office. Tickets are $12 for adults (ages 13-59); $8 for children (ages 5-12), those ages 60 or older and military personnel; and $6 for current or new Science Center members. Children 4 and under are free but must obtain a ticket to enter the exhibition.
There are more than strawberries (but plenty of those too) at this festival! Kids can enjoy carnival rides, a petting farm, wagon rides, the children's playground and lots more.
Don't be late for this very important date! the Fancy Tea Party at the Butterfly House will have you feeling fancy and acting silly while celebrating mommies, grammies and aunties. Bring your kiddos to enjoy tasty treats, delightful drinks, fun crafts and more.
See the Zoo's California sea lions perform acrobatic and athletic feats, including Olympic-style dives on a high-diving platform, flipper walks, frisbee tosses and plenty of surprises. While on stage with the sea lions, the Zoo's trainers explain sea lion behavior and positive-reinforcement training, in addition to the need for conserving the sea lion's ocean habitat.
Young visitors and their families are invited to the Energy Stage to enjoy interactive read-alouds of science-themed picture books. Story times are followed by a short demonstration or discussion connected to the book's main concepts.
Explore the Saint Louis Zoo in the evenings at the new Animals Aglow exhibit. Bring your family to experience the luminous glow of 50 towering lanterns depicting animals, plants and traditional Chinese elements. Don't miss this celebration of culture and art!